Status
Not open for further replies.
Kylessa lifted a brow at his honest portrayal of his actions. "I find myself shocked by your admission, Delegate Ames," she said truthfully, "I myself find it difficult to believe everyone here has peaceful intentions, but it is my hope that they do." Her sigh was heavy then, "My people have suffered the greatest loss of life population wise. We cannot endure much more bloodshed as you call it. My father is the diplomat, not I, but I have witnessed the carnage and loss. It has been ongoing for far too long. I do pray the Arbiter is successful."

She watched as he examined his clothing and a slight smile quirked her lips, and she almost chuckled as well. "You are a bit rumpled Delegate," she admitted, "But since I myself am in a similar state I am not at all certain my vouching for you will be of aid, but I am willing to endure the spectacle if you are." she said and then accepted the offered arm and walked with him back toward the dining room, "You are right about one thing, Delegate," she said looking up at him with a sheepish grin, "Everyone in that room will be surprised by our arrival, and not just the Laren." She had to wonder what her father would think, she hoped at least for a shocked look. Her father rarely approved of her actions, and she hardly cared to try to garner his approval anymore, but she had to believe he might be glad of this at least on the surface. He would likely scold her later, but before the others he would at least APPEAR pleased.


She tipped her head a bit as they walked, "If I may ask," she inquired, "How did you become part of the Delegation? The Jabari have a high counsel so our members were predetermined. I find myself curious to know how the other delegations were formed."
 
  • Love
Reactions: Altrex
Garrick listened to Torna and frowned. To be given an honor such as being a member of this delegation and then to decline serving, to him was tantamount to treason. He hoped that it would not make the others look upon the Berkak with suspicion.

He had already known the Arbiter was not here to reign or rule over them, so those words had not been a surprise to him, but he could tell they were a surprise to some of the others. He knew this would be a long deliberation, in forming the governing body and it's role and scope of influence and authority, as well as who could and would serve, but he felt it was a necessary step in maintaining the peace that they for this brief time were enjoying.

His eyes kept lifting to the lovely elf across the table, though he was making an effort to keep his eyes on the Arbiter and the other Berkak. He had made eye contact with her a few times and each time he smiled and looked away. He was a thousand kinds of a fool, but he was trying to think of a reason to speak with her again.

@Maggie
 
Each time Aylina met Garrick's eyes, something made her keep looking. Was it his smile? It was nice, being looked at admirably; considering back at home she was considered too strange, not as stoic or emotionally guarded as other elves. This had been something she'd struggled with for years, as a result, emotions in general tended to make her a bit confused or guilty. Still... the ones she was having for Garrick right then didn't seem so awful. It was logical...wasn't it? Or was she being idealistic and biased? Sure, she'd always wanted to fall in love with someone that would love her back, and not treat her like a chess board pawn. Garrick gave her fluttery feelings inside, especially right now... as she caught his rather intense gaze. Her own eyes met his and she couldn't help a small smile... she hoped they'd become close during this journey.
 
  • Love
Reactions: PoetLore
Magana grinned at his dissatisfaction with his clothes. She totally understood, totally. "I gther it is good then that you are not in the forge but at a dinner banquet with many delegates then," she smiled and bowed her head slightly. She lifted a brow and placed her hand atop his and nodded, "Well said, Buras Garethsson, let us do exactly that." She knew what her fellow Ferregard might surmise from ehr actions, and she was prepared to defend herself to them, if necessary. She did hold a hope though, that they would see her actions as a wise act of peace and friendship with their future allies and co-laborers the Berkak.

He actually said he would consider teaching her and her brows lifted high and a light sparkled in ehr eyes, "You speak in earnest Buras?' she asked, "My people ahve long turned their backs on Magic, and I have never fully understood why. I can easily see how your skill would be extremely valuable." She furrowed her brows then, "How I would manage to learn without garnering rejection and suspicion I ahve no idea, but I am very interested in learning if you were serious in the offer." She wanted to be sure he understood she had been serious in the request,

They walked into the dining area and took seats that were vacant, next to one another. She sat and smiled, "Thank you for escorting me inside Buras Garethsson," she said and nodded, "It has been a pleasure..."

Her sentence was cut off by the Arbiter's speech and she nodded in approval. He was indeed powerful, but she could not believe any race would appreciate one such as that being thrust upon them by ancients most of them no longer followed or even understood. The fact that the ancients were going to choose from among them was a tough enough pill to swallow, but at least they would be ruled by one of their own and not a spirit entity.
 
"I guess you are right then." he said, giving a firm nod of his head in agreement and began to walk towards the massive tables with Magana on his arm. And he'd be willing to bet his best set of hammers that they gave the rest of the delegation, Berkak, Ferregard, and everyone else, quite the shock when they entered together, hand in hand. He did not say another word until they were seated, and then he opened his mouth.

"I don't...." he began before he was cut off by the Arbiter. He sat there respectively, letting their host say his piece and sit back down before starting again. "As I..." and then Torna stood up to talk. He was resigning from the Lord Delegate position before he was even elected. And once that was done, he glared around the room, daring anyone else to get up and talk. Once it was out of all of their systems, he did one last lap of the faces before snorting and nodding. "Now that that's done with, I can say what I've been meaning to say. I don't jest. It isn't my way, and it isn't the Berkak way. If you show that you are capable, I will take you on as my apprentice. If not, then you will not become my apprentice. Since we will be staying here for some time, if you were to just pop into the forge I will test you right then and there. Now I think we've heard enough of talk, and our bellies are empty." With that, he made sure a napkin was nearby to clean his beard when need be and began to eat.
 
  • Love
Reactions: PoetLore
The Arbiter ate carefully, listening to the conversations around the table silently, while occasionally focusing on Renn Jorell. There was an enigma. How could he, the Arbiter, be so deeply attached to someone, and only having actually seen him for a short part of the day? It was not that he was angered about the attachment. Far from it. He loved it. But it confused him.

Embarrassment inflamed his face, as he realized his train of thought, and he focused on his food to take his mind off it.
 
Torna knew that some would be angered by his resignation, but he had not been ordered to rule. He had been ordered to help hammer out the peace. That, to him, was most important. His father had always said, "It is no treason to refuse to rule. It is a treason to think you are the ONLY person to rule." That maxim had guided him for his many years.

So, he sat, quietly saying that maxim out loud, but only loud enough for those next to him to hear. He ate silently after that.

@Altrex
 
Last edited:
  • Bucket of Rainbows
Reactions: Altrex
Edwin shrugged his shoulders grinning, "No need to be shocked by honesty, be shocked when you find a derth of it," he talked while they walked. It helped that they both had to slow do as to no impede the other's movements. He decided to stay silent on what he'd witnessed during the war, candid as he was being with a Jabari there were incidents he wasn't likely to forget in this lifetime.

"A bit rumpled, I should have seen it that way. We could all do with a bit of rumpling I think perhaps the trend will catch on." He gave Kylessa a wink as she mentioned the other race's potentially surprised reactions, "Your ego would seem inflated Miss Yeldove. I hardly believe that everyone in the room will be watching us after all our esteemed host is a far more spectacular sight to behold." His tone containing more than a few teasing overtures.

"I became a delegate through distinguished service to my nation and by being one of our few diplomats. Though I think my position is more one of the time and not of overall skill. I'm straight forward which is useful for coordinating war efforts between allies." Edwin tilted his head looking at her sideways, "I also nominated myself which brought me here." The two finally reached the dining hall, gathering more than a few wandering eyes. Letting go he turned to Kylessa, "Unfortunately we must part ways here. I fear the I've reach the my limit of offenses toward my brethren. I wish you good fortune Kylessa Yeldove."

Edwin nodded, and with a spin of his heels returned to his own delegation.
 
  • Love
Reactions: PoetLore
Renn too was watching the room, listening covertly. Most of what he heard was helpful, and peace oriented, but he saw some expressions and in the undertones of voices, he heard animosity. He noted when Kylessa and Delegate Ames entered, noting the swift departure of the latter. He also noted both Delsaren Yeldove and the other Laren's reactions. They were similar tot he reaction of the Ferregard and Berkak arriving hand in hand and then even sitting together.

The reactions were entertaining to watch. The interactions between those four people gave him hope that this would work, but the reactions made him wonder.

He gave the Arbiter a glance every now and then. not really sure what as going on between the two of them, but he was curious to know. He stayed quiet though, which was his normal way. he smiled at Kyessa when she sat down and gave her a nod of his head. He would tell each of them of the Arbiter's announcements after dinner, for now he just ate and observed.
 
Kylessa lifted her head, "Well spoken," she said and then the slight half smile was back, "Rumpled may become the latest craze at that," she agreed, "I have seen far more stupid a trend, for far less reason. We shall hope for such luck then."

His next comment had her laughing out loud. Her laugh had a lilting trill to it that was pleasant and engaging, "You must not know my father," she said shaking her head. "My being noticed will ahve absolutely NOTHING to do with me. Once second after I am seen, anyone who notices will immediately turn their focus to my father for his reaction." This was not said in any kind of a spiteful or angry tone, just one of resignation. Her brow lifted though, "Our host?' she asked, "I had not noticed any peculiar traits in him to find attractive." she admitted openly. She hadn't actually been watching him at all. She'd been watching this Laren, but she did not add that to her statement. "He is powerful," she admitted, "His aura is very bright."

He told her how he came to be a delegate and she listened with rapt fascination. "That actually seems wise in some ways," she said, "Nominating yourself, I mean. There are those among this group who really have no desire to serve or rule, but are here because they are elders or respected for other accomplishments. Perhaps it is better to send ones who are eager to create the new peace and government."

They arrived at the dining hall and he made his apologies, "And I my father's indignation," she said with a smile, "Be well Delegate Ames," she said as they parted ways and she took the seat next to ehr father that she knew was available.

Delsaren noted his daughter's absence but had no idea where she had gotten off to, and he felt his efforts were better spent conferring and networking with the other delegates than to go off after his flighty daughter. His hand covered hers under the table as soon as she sat down and she would feel the tightening of his hand to a painful tightness, but she made no outward show that she was in pain. His voice was very soft and meant for only her, "Do not ever disgrace me in such a manner again, Kylessa."

Her head bowed and she whispered her apology and promised to be more careful and mindful of her appearance and timing and he released her hand. She lifted it, and saw the red marks of his fingers across her hand and when she tried to grasp her utensil she found she could not. She lowered her hand back to her lap and looked at the food. It looked delicious, but she did not touch it. In fact, she did not look up for the duration of the meal, to avoid any further punishment. She knew there would be more to follow when they were in their quarters alone.
 
  • Love
Reactions: Altrex
Garrick watched Buras arrive with the Ferregard and he had to smile. She seemed more willing to learn of the Berkak ways than the other members of her party, and to him at least, seemed to be making an effort to bridge gaps and learn to accept differences and find ways to share strengths.

he glanced back to Aylina and when he did he saw Delegate Yeldove's daughter arrive with the Laren, Edwin Ames. He watched as she took her seat and saw the interaction between her and her father. Something was wrong, but he wasn't sure what exactly. He did note that she did not eat or even look up and engage in conversation. very odd, since he had seen her conversing easily earlier. His brows furrowed a bit. he would ahve to speak to the Arbiter about that, once dinner was over.

His eyes inevitably made their was back to Aylina, and that smile was there again. Maybe she would like a tour of the palace, he thought suddenly. It seemed a fine idea to him, at least if she accepted he could speak with her a bit more.

@Maggie
 
Aylina would love a tour of this palace! She really wasn't being approached by anyone else so far, and she knew everyone else pretty much had become fond friends already. She had yet to see anyone remotely interested in her as Garrick seemed to be, and she already had a lot of reasons for liking him. Finished with her meal, the Valena elf woman nodded at Garrick, giving him the okay to approach her as soon as he had an opportunity; she was never rude, she knew he had important things to discuss with his own companions as well. She too noticed the tension between the lady Kylessa and her father. She also saw with her sharp eyes, the redness of the girl's hand.... From the scowl on her father's face, she could tell there was not a good connection between the two and that the man was probably abusive to his daughter. She felt lucky enough to have left her's at home! She hoped Garrick would be through conversing with the others soon, she felt she needed a break from being around so many people. Just for a while.
 
  • Love
Reactions: PoetLore
Magana nodded, "We Ferregard are sometimes right," she grinned. She was very much enjoying their conversation, and though it would probably shock just about everyone in the dining hall, she felt no reservation in walking into the room hand in hand with a Berkak, nor with sitting next to him, a good distance away from her fellow Ferregard.

She lifted a brow to ehar what he was going to say only to ahve him interrupted by the Arbiter, and like him she listened attentively and respectfully. She turned back and before he could speak another Berkak stood and made the declaration that he would decline to be the Lord of the Berkak. She was confused by this, mostly because she realized there was absolutely NO chance her people would elect her, though she would like to be part of the body that forged out this peace and carved out this new government. Like Buras she looked around for any other announcements and then turned her attention back to him.

His words pleased her greatly and it would show but only in her eyes. "I shall visit you there and present myself for testing." she said with a nod, "And Buras Garethsson..." she said and waited for him to turn to look at her, "You have my thanks." Which for a Ferregard to say, meant a great deal. They were not a generally thankful people. They were as a culture more warrior oriented and people who wished something simply became strong enough to take it by force.

She followe dhis lead and ate the feast that was set before her. The Arbuter had taken great pains in selecting the food it would seem, for there were delicacies from every realm and corner of Ilkaria. She was happy to experiment and try things she had never seen or tasted, and of course there were a few that she felt the need to spew from her mouth immediately, but this assembly forbade such a response, so she chewed quickly, swallowed and guzzled a bit of water.

@Beowulf
 
He turned to her with an eyebrow raised. And when she gave him thanks, he nodded his head in understanding. As he was sitting and eating, he couldn't help but look at all of the other delegates that were also in the hall. And he saw Garrick looking at someone, and it was quite the lovey dovey look if you asked him. And when he followed his gaze, he saw who he was looking that. He had to admit it, she did look nice, but he couldn't completely approve of it. They were in the middle of peace negotiations, though it didn't look like it at the moment. 'What do I care?' he thought to himself. 'I even half a mind to tell him how Strom Jorsson liked to add hidden rooms and passages in his works' his train of thought continued.

He saw the Laren huddled together like a herd of sheep in unfamiliar territory. In fact, now that he looked around, that's how it was throughout. Oh the Elves and Dwarfs mingled with each other and the Humans were close to the Orcs, but there was a clear line between the two factions. In fact he and Magana were the only two that weren't completely ignoring their neighbor if they happened to be next to someone that was on the other side of the war. 'Bah, what a bunch of nonsense.'

And finally he looked next to him at Magana, only to catch her making a slight face at something she ate, quickly swallowing, and following it up with a sip of water. "A word from the wise, small bites save taste buds." And he demonstrated with the mystery course on his plate. And it so happened to be somewhat unpleasant. So he discreetly spat it out in a separate napkin, not the one that he used to wipe his beard mind you but a different one. "And if it isn't to your liking, do that." he told her with a smile. He also decided to point out several Berkak dishes and his opinion on them. "Mountain goat with several spices rubbed in, don't ask me which spices I do not know. And unless my eyesight is failing me, those are Miner's Delights." The second of the two looked like small, white apples. "A bit to sweet for me, those, but most people do like them."
 
  • Love
Reactions: PoetLore
The Arbiter stood, and said, "Friends, I have finished my meal. When all are done, the table will clear itself. I must go rest. The happenings of earlier have... tired me quite a lot. I will see each of you at sunrise for Breakfast. I thank you again for coming." Bowing to the people at the table, he placed an hand on both Garrick's and Renn's shoulders. He leaned in and muttered for their ears, "If either of you wish, you may find me in my quarters. I will be meditating for an hour or two prior to sleeping, but I think I will use an hour prior to that to write some notes." He looked directly into Renn's eyes, and smiled, then walked silently to his rooms.
 
Torna kept his comments to himself for now, because he knew that it would likely not be approved. He was of the old clans of the Berkak, and had a different view of honor than his more modern counterparts. He nodded in response to the Arbiter's words, but kept his ears open to any comments that might arise.


@Altrex
 
Walking to his 'side' of the delegation Edwin greeted his fellow Larens with a smile and a nod. A few seemed to have stern words from him, but a soft spoken word here and there soon had his companions relatively calm. The best he could have hoped for. Pushing his plate back away from him Edwin began to converse with multiple members of his delegation, gathering information on what had occurred and the announcements the Arbiter had made.

Glancing up at Kylessa he noticed something odd. Her head was bowed, and body language pulled in as if afraid to bring any attention to herself. 'Her father's indignation?' he thought to himself beginning to form the semblance of a bad idea in his head. While the meal appeared to be finished especially with the Arbiter retiring for the evening Edwin decided to act quickly.

Standing and projecting in a powerful voice built from his time as an officer, Edwin announced to the room, "In the interest of the peace that this conclave hopes to achieve, I Edwin Ames would like to give to offer a recommendation for the position of delegate to a member of another race. I formal support the nomination of Kylessa Yeldove!" He finished the sentence pointing his finger at the Jabari girl. Just to his side a Laren looked on with shock, and then buried his face into his palms.

Sitting back down Edwin clearly was pleased with himself, it oozed out from beneath his skin. For more reasons than one. Much as he'd like to think he could look past the skirmishes against the Jabari, Edwin just couldn't. The bastards had killed more of his friends than he would ever admit to their faces. While his brief encounter with Kylessa had actually been quite nice it was probably going to serve as a greater tool to sow some discord among the Jabari. Besides in the girl ended up a bit ahead because of it she deserved it for, oddly, treating him with some respect despite her race.
 
  • Love
Reactions: PoetLore
Renn nodded to the Arbiter as he left, glad he was going to rest. Though he was an ancient, he was still recovering from an assassination attempt where he lost a great deal of blood. He had always believed the ancients to be spirits, but the Arbiter was clearly in possession of a physical form. He wondered if that was a new reality for him. He pondered that a bit, and decided later he would stop in to check on him, purely as a healer.

He was about to stand when the Laren delegate Ames stood and nominated Kylessa Yeldove as a delegate. He saw the shock on every face, and most notably upon the faces of the Jabari delegation as a whole. His gaze moved around the room as he analyzed the reactions and impact. He was not a politician, or a diplomat but he had to believe there was a secondary motive for causing this stir, and making that recommendation. He sat quietly analyzing, and weighing the room.
 
Kylessa was relieved when the Arbiter left the room, because that made it acceptable for others to do as as well. She was planning to have Renn heal her hand, and had in fact pushed her chair back a tiny bit, when Edwin stood and nominated her for a delegate seat. Her shock must have, without doubt, shown on her face. Somehow she managed to keep her jaw from dropping open in an all out gaping expression, but only just barely.

Her eyes fixed on Edwin, and there was a question there in those blue eyes. Why had he done this? She saw his expression of self-satisfaction and could not believe he had done so because he actually believed she deserved a seat. So why?

Her attention was ripped away from observing him when her father's hand once again covered hers under the table. Delsaren leaned closer and whispered to her very low, "I hope you are proud of yourself, Kylessa. You ahve single handedly destroyed our delegation's effectiveness in these deliberations. You will present yourself for proper punishment by the entire delegation in thirty minutes."

Kylessa's eyes closed and she nodded. She did not speak, but merely accepted the words and remained in her seat. His hand was squeezing hers again and this time it hurt far worse. Not because he was squeezing harder but because he was magically inflicting pain into her. He was very displeased, and that was the proof of it. He did not use that kind of punishment unless he was very angry with her.

For her part, she had no idea what she had done. She really did not understand how she had ruined the Jabari. Her eyes lifted back to Edwin though and if he was looking he'd see her watchful gaze trying to make sense of what was done and the reason behind it. The pain she was hiding, she thought, behind a mask of serenity. there was a jolt though suddenly when he father noticed where her gaze had wandered to, and it had been unexpected, and she winced and hissed in a breath before looking away and returned to staring at her plate.

She suddenly wished she'd been left at home. She was now praying that her fellow Jabari would deal mercifully with her. Her father would not, but she prayed that they would.
 
  • Love
Reactions: Altrex
Garrick watched the Arbiter leave and was, like Renn, glad he'd decided to rest. He looked like he was in need of it. He turned though and looked at Torna, "What did you say?' he asked. "I did not quite catch it...if it was meant for my ears..." He still didn't understand his decision to step down, but he really had no business judging anyone's motives or life.

He had finished his dinner and he stood, excusing himself from the people nearby. His head lifted and he saw a Laren stand and take that opportunity to nominate the child of a delegate as a member of the delegation. His brow lifted and he cast his gaze to the child in question and saw the look of surprise. So it had not been her idea then. He glanced back to the Laren and watched as he looked on at the slight stir he had caused in the room. He didn't know what the man was attempting to do, but he had done something.

His gaze returned to the girl and he saw a wince and then saw her go back to looking at her plate. He again stifled a growl, but decided it was a matter for the Jabari, and the Arbiter. Perhaps that was normal Jabari family interaction.

He made his way to where Aylina was seated and bowed to her, "I wonder Miss Aylina," he began with a small smile on his lips, "If you might care to tour the palace?' he asked, "I was built by an ancient descendant of mine Strom Jorsson."

@Maggie
 
Status
Not open for further replies.